Space in any home or backyard is different. It can be new or old, small or large, wide or narrow, short or tall, cement or wood… well you get the point. Before you can even think about redesigning an area, you need to understand every aspect of the space. This not something that can be done in a couple of minutes. It can take weeks or even up to a year to fully understand it. No, I’m not going to ask you to study your space for a year; I’m just trying to prove a point. You need to take time to learn all aspects of the space you plan to redesign. If you’ve been living in a home your entire life, you’ll have a better understanding of the space than if you just moved in.
Here are some tips to help you studying your space before redesigning it:
Studying the space in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The effect of natural light can have a great impact space. A room might look completely different from morning to night. Understanding the in and outs of the light can help you redesign the room to its fullest. Listen to the sounds in the room as well. The space might be noisy in the morning and then become loud at night. Look out the windows to see if the views change at different times of day. Consider options for different layouts of the space. Perhaps you want to move a window to get a better view or change the entrance way for a better flow of traffic.
Ignore current furniture and decorations. Don’t focus on items within the room, but pay attention to the space itself. Try to forget about the flooring, carpets, light fixtures, furniture, wall colors, and window fixtures. All of these items can and might be replaced. View your space as a blank pallet.
Be open to new ideas and think outside the box. It’s okay to move rooms around the home to better suit your needs. Perhaps you currently have your bedroom upstairs. Have you ever considered moving it downstairs? If your living room is on the second floor you can maximize the day light much more efficiently. This type of thinking might be unusually for a lot of people. You don’t have to have keep your house layout the way it is just because you’re used to it or everyone else is doing it. Really analyze how you can maximize your space.
Challenges for the homeowner:
If you have lived in the home for several years, viewing your home as a blank canvas might be a challenge for you. Ask a friend or relative to come over and help. They might point out things you never would have thought of. You will have the benefit of knowing your home and different times of day and how the light and sounds impact the space. This puts you ahead of the game.
If you are a new homeowner, it will take you a while to learn the small factors about the home. The way the light falls, window views, and sounds. With a little time you’ll learn the space better. On the upside, you will also be able to see your home with fresh new eyes.
When learning your space, consider the following to help point you in the right direction:
- Layout of the room, windows, and doors
- Direction of the streets, views, and gardens
- Lighting and sounds in each room at different times of day
- Room dimensions
- Room entry ways
- Unusual and wasted space
- Load baring walls
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